| Mr. Valentin Yotkov |

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Valentin Yotkov is a world renowned silversmith with expertise in hand chasing and repoussé. He creates one-of-a-kind objects, sculptures and trophies in any non-ferrous metal and specializes in museum-quality reproductions. Mr. Yotkov also trains Tiffany jewelers in the art of chasing and repoussé.
Mr. Yotkov has been granted celebrity status by the US government. He enjoys permanent residency with the privilege of pursuing his talent as a Master Silversmith. He is internationally recognized as a designer, artisan, and teacher in the disappearing field of silversmithing.
Trained in the old-world guild system of silversmithing, Mr. Yotkov served his apprenticeship under the masters of Europe and learned his skills in the hands-on fashion. He received the State Master Certificate in his native Bulgaria.
Techniques he has mastered include raising, creating shapes by hand from flat sheet metal; chasing, decoration hammered on the outside surface of an object; repoussé, decoration in higher relief, embossed from the back or inside surface, then chased in detail from the front; and engraving, decoration carved on the outside. He is also accomplished in wax modeling, casting, and finishing (polishing and patina).
Valentin Yotkov's art has appeared in international exhibitions in Japan, Greece, Russia, Mexico, Italy, Mongolia, India, U.S.A., and China since 1982. In addition, private collections around the world proudly include the creative genius of this Master Silversmith. We are delighted to offer his talents to our students.
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 | September 11, 2010
| | | Make Your Own Textures for Metal Clay | | | Learn different methods of making your own texture plates for use with metal clay including photo-polymer plates, polymer clay tear-away sheets, carved polymer clay, 2-part silicone molding materials, and more! |  | Read more... | | | |  | September 18, 2010
| | | Dichroic Glass & Silver Metal Clay | | | Learn how to set dichroic glass in silver metal clay and fire it safely so it doesn't crack! |  | Read more... | | | |  | September 23, 2010
| | | Casting and Wax Working | | | Casting and wax working techniques can save you time and add new dimension to your creations. Making wax models allows you create complex curves, surfaces, and textures that would be difficult and time consuming to execute in sheet metal. |  | Read more... | | | |  | September 24, 2010
| | | Fusing, Soldering, and Keum Boo with Argentium Silver | | | Created for people who want to become comfortable working with Argentium Sterling Silver sheet and wire, this workshop will teach a variety of techniques including annealing, soldering, fusing, and hardening. |  | Read more... | | | |  | September 29, 2010
| | | Chain Making | | | We will discuss traditional linked chains as well as loop-in-loop and crocheted chains, with a focus on repetitive soldering, fusing, and techniques specific to handling and working with wire. |  | Read more... | | | |  | October 02, 2010
| | | Beyond the Basic Bezel | | | Ever want to go beyond the basic bezel and expand your repertoire of stone-setting skills? Join us to learn about tube bezels, channel settings, open back bezels, and tips and tricks to make your settings more unique and interesting. |  | Read more... | | | |  | October 23, 2010
| | | Thrive! not just Survive as an Artist | | | Thrive! not just survive as an Artist with Bruce Baker, nationally known craft marketing expert. This seminar covers Booth design and Merchandising for Art Shows and Galleries, Your Images and the Jury, and Sales Techniques to close more sales. |  | Read more... | | | |
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